A private funeral service for Michael Jackson has taken place, and his body is now being taken to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where a memorial service is set to take place

Michael Jackson's body is on its way to the singer's memorial service.

The late 'Thriller' singer's solid bronze coffin was wheeled out of Hollywood's Forest Lawn Cemetery and into a waiting black hearse following a private funeral for the singer, who died of a suspected cardiac arrest on June 25.

The casket was accompanied by the star's siblings and parents Joe and Katherine, who had attended this morning's service (07.07.09) and got into waiting limousines to follow the hearse to Los Angeles' Staples Center, where thousands of fans have gathered for the tribute to the pop icon, whose coffin will be displayed on stage.

Michael's three children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and Prince Michael II, seven, were not seen but it is believed they were at the service.

Earlier, Los Angeles was driven to a standstill when police shut a five-lane freeway to escort the 18-car funeral procession from Joe and Katherine's home to the cemetery for the funeral service.

Fans at the Staples Center cheered as video footage of his coffin was shown on big screens.

Inside the venue, the stage is adorned with the star's image, alongside a mural carrying the words "In Loving Memory. Michael Jackson King of Pop - 1958-2009."

It is not known where the singer's body will be taken following his star-studded memorial service, but it is expected to return to Forest Lawn Cemetery.